Disclaimer: still own nothing, except Scott (ooh! lucky me!)

I can't believe this is the last chapter, I almost don't want to write it cos I know that when I finish it'll be the end (I know that sounds really weird! lol.)

To smartiepantz, awish, I like it! lol, I'm really glad you liked last chapter, I loved writing the Summer/Marissa stuff.

BrSoccerChic, Thanks! I wanted them to be different around each other from when they were first together on the show, so that we could believe they would last forever.

xGoingunderx, Aw! That's really sweet, thanks. I'm gonna miss writing it. Glad you liked the Scott stuff, I had to give him one last bashing (literally!)

EVCLGSB, WOWOWOWOW! That is ssooooo cool! That really means a lot to me, thanks (OMG, I'm in shock!)

Sis2ACesarSalad, Don't worry about it, that's a good spoiler! lol, Hope you like this!

Valkrys, Yay! Go you, 2 chapter in one day, that's impressive! Yep, I thought about what you said and got that punching in there! Hope you like the last chapter!

ryan91, glad you liked it! I decided to abandon trying towrite Seth, he's too hard!

So here we go, the last chapter of the drama (sob!):

Chapter 13

As the days and weeks passed, things started to slowly get back to normal, well as normal as they ever are in Newport, for Marissa. Neither Ryan nor Marissa ever spoke about their chat in the poolhouse again, although there was an unspoken agreement that Marissa would come to Ryan when she was ready. Luckily there was no awkwardness between them, more of an excitement and anticipation about what was to come and the fact that neither of them knew when that was going to be. They had grown, if it was possible, even closer since the incident with Scott and Marissa now knew that she wouldn't screw it up again, Ryan wouldn't let her, they could talk honestly with each other now and it was better than ever.

"Stop it, you're hitting the wrong button, it''s the square." Ryan said exasperatedly for the fifth time that night.

"I was not, you're doing it wrong. Stop stabbing me." She shot back.

"No, look, come here," he reached over and moved her fingers onto the right buttons. "There, see?"

"Oh yeah. It's just the game, it's new. I don't understand it."

"That's cos you're a girl."

"I beg your pardon?"

"It's a fact, boys are much better than girls at video games."

"Well, are you sure you're not a girl then?"

"Huh?"

"Well, who always wins when we play?"

"You," Ryan conceded "but that's not the point." he hastily added. "I always win at this game."

"Ryan, you've been practising it for a week, this is the first time I've played."

"So?" Ryan knew she was right but he wasn't going to tell her that.

"So, face it, I am the undisputed Queen of the PS2, and you suck at it."

"Yes you are." Ryan said concentrating hard on the game. "But I am the undisputed King of this game."

"We'll see, give a few more goes and I'll kick your ass."

"You wish." They played in silence for a few moments each of them concentrating hard on the game, determined not to let the other win. "What time is it?" Marissa asked.

"Time you weren't here." Ryan deadpanned.

"Oi!" She swatted him with her controls

"No, it's, um" He looked at his watch. "ten thirty."

"That's cool, I've got a bit longer then."

"For what?"

"To learn how to play this game properly."

"I'd like to see you try."

"Well, I'm not leaving until I beat you."

"You might as well just move in then, cos there's no way that's gonna happen."

"Ok, shut up, let me concentrate."

It took her a while, but finally two hours later Marissa had conquered the game. Ryan had insisted on 5 rematches but eventually he had to admit she was pretty good.

"I am so glad it's Friday. It's like midnight. I'm so tired." She yawned.

"I know, well, if you weren't so rubbish you would've been home hours ago" Ryan teased.

"I think you'll find that the reason I'm still here is because you kept insisting on rematches."

"You kept cheating!"

"Ha! Anyway, I'd better go. See you tomorrow." She kissed him on the cheek and left the poolhouse. Ryan stood up smiling, that had been so much fun, she was so easily wound up. He went into the bathroom to brush his teeth, when he came out again Marissa was standing in the doorway.

"Did you forget something?" He asked

"No" She said quietly

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing." She walked towards him. "You know how we said that we'd get back together when I was ready?"

Ryan nodded slowly, he had a felling he knew what was coming. "Yeah."

"Well, I am, ready..."

"You sure?" She nodded furiously.

"Positive." She leant in so that there lips were almost touching, Ryan pulled away sharply.

"Are you sure? cos I mean if you're not-"

"Ryan?"

"Yes."

"Shut up."

"Ok." Marissa moved in again, but again Ryan pulled away.

"You mean it? And we can still do stupid stuff like play PS2 and have pillow fights and stuff?" He rambled, Marissa nodded.

"Stop ruining the moment."

"Sorry," this time he leant towards her

"Too late," She said sitting down on his bed "The moment's gone, you ruined it." She was only joking but he was so nervous that he didn't notice.

"Really?" He asked seriously.

"Yep." She smiled.

"What if I did this?" Ryan sat down next to her and put one arm around her waist, the other on her back, she smiled again.

"Thats better."

"Yeah?"

"Keep going." He leant in and his lips met hers. This time neither of them ruined it. It was the best kiss they had ever shared, full of 8 months worth of unexplored feelings. Neither of them wanted it to end. Ever. Finally Marissa pulled away.

"You ok?" Ryan asked anxiously, she couldn't talk, she just smiled. "You need to go home?" She shook her head. "Good," he whispered. They lay down side by side, hand in hand. Neither said anything for a few moments. Finally Marissa spoke.

"You're amazing, you know that?"

"You're not too bad yourself." He whispered, she giggled

"No, I mean...you're just...wow."

"Do you mean I'm irresistible?" Ryan asked suggestively.

"Something like that." She smiled. She reached up and kissed him on the cheek. "Now, would you like me to kick your ass at playstation?"

"What now?"

"No time like the present." She said simply.

"Now, who's ruining the moment?"

"Now you know how it feels like."

"I have a better idea." Ryan said reaching across and turning off the lamp. "I think we should finish off the 'epic tale of Ryan and Marissa.'"

"Ok, sounds good."

"Right, so where were we?" He asked.

"Um, Ryan still loves Marissa" she prompted.

"Oh, yeah. I remember."

"Ok, so then Ryan was worried that Marissa might not feel the same way and he freaked out. But-" He began

" But she did so it was ok and they all lived happily ever after, the end." Marissa said quickly. "Are you gonna kiss me now?" She demanded

"If I must." Ryan laughed, but he obliged nevertheless.

"Do you think we will live 'happily ever after'?" Marissa asked after they had finished making out

"Marissa, this is Newport Beach, how many people live happily ever after?" He reminded her gently, but deep down he knew they would.

"We'll have to break the mould then won't we." She said happily, nothing could ruin her mood.

"All we can do is try." He said kissing the top of her head.

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Woah, so there you go! The end, I really don't want it to end :( I really really hope you a ll liked that and it wasn't a let down.

A sincere thanks to all of you who have reviewed, they really helped, especially through chapters 10 and 11! Thanks, love Claire xxx